• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.801-806
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• 2016

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of different supplemental levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; Original XP; Diamond V) on lactation performance in Holstein dairy cows under heat stress. Eighty-one multiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided into 27 blocks of 3 cows each based on milk yield ($23.6{\pm}0.20kg/d$), parity ($2.88{\pm}0.91$) and day in milk ($204{\pm}46d$). The cows were randomly assigned within blocks to one of three treatments: 0 (control), 120, or 240 g/d of SCFP mixed with 240, 120, or 0 g of corn meal, respectively. The experiment was carried out during the summer season of 2014, starting from 14 July 2014 and lasting for 9 weeks with the first week as adaption period. During the experimental period, average daily temperature-humidity index (measured at 08:00, 14:00, and 20:00) was above 68, indicating that cows were exposed to heat stress throughout the study. Rectal temperatures tended to decrease linearly (p = 0.07) for cows supplemented with SCFP compared to the control cows at 14:30, but were not different at 06:30 (p>0.10). Dry matter intake was not affected by SCFP supplementation (p>0.10). Milk yield increased linearly (p<0.05) with increasing levels of SCFP. Feed efficiency (milk yield/ dry matter intake) was highest (p<0.05) for cows fed 240 g/d SCFP. Cows supplemented with SCFP gained (p<0.01) body weight, while cows in the control lost body weight. Net energy balance also increased linearly (p<0.01) with increasing levels of SCFP. Concentrations of milk urea nitrogen (p<0.01) decreased linearly with increasing levels of SCFP, while no difference (p>0.10) was observed among the treatments in conversion of dietary crude protein to milk protein yield. In summary, supplementation of SCFP alleviated the negative effect of heat stress in lactating Holstein dairy cows and allowed cows to maintain higher milk production, feed efficiency and net energy balance. Effects of SCFP were dose-dependent and greater effects were observed from higher doses.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.1083-1095
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• 2019

Butyrate is known to play a significant role in energy metabolism and regulating genomic activities that influence rumen nutrition utilization and function. Thus, this study investigated the effects of an isolated butyrate-producing bacteria, Clostridium saccharobutylicum, in rumen butyrate production, fermentation parameters and microbial population in Holstein-Friesian cow. An isolated butyrate-producing bacterium from the ruminal fluid of a Holstein-Friesian cow was identified and characterized as Clostridium saccharobutylicum RNAL841125 using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. The bacterium was evaluated on its effects as supplement on in vitro rumen fermentation and microbial population. Supplementation with $10^6CFU/ml$ Clostridium saccharobutylicum increased (p < 0.05) microbial crude protein, butyrate and total volatile fatty acids concentration but had no significant effect on $NH_3-N$ at 24 h incubation. Butyrate and total VFA concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) in supplementation with $10^6CFU/ml$ Clostridium saccharobutylicum compared with control, with no differences observed for total gas production, $NH_3-N$ and propionate concentration. However, as the inclusion rate (CFU/ml) of C. saccharobutylicum was increased, reduction of rumen fermentation values was observed. Furthermore, butyrate-producing bacteria and Fibrobacter succinogenes population in the rumen increased in response with supplementation of C. saccharobutylicum, while no differences in the population in total bacteria, protozoa and fungi were observed among treatments. Overall, our study suggests that supplementation with $10^6CFU/ml$ C. saccharobutylicum has the potential to improve ruminal fermentation through increased concentrations of butyrate and total volatile fatty acid, and enhanced population of butyrate-producing bacteria and cellulolytic bacteria F. succinogenes.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.216-222
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• 2017

This study was conducted to examine the effect of corn (Zea mays L.) - soybean (Glycine max L.) silage prepared by intercropping method on the nutritive value of the silage, in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics, dry matter degradability, as well as milk yield and milk composition of dairy cows. In a couple of experiments intercropped corn-soybean silage (CSBS) was compared with corn silage (CS) and/or Italian ryegrass hay (IRG). Numerically, CSBS had higher crude protein, ether extract, and lactic acid contents compared to CS. In vitro rumen fermentation analysis demonstrated that up to a 24-h incubation period, both CS and CSBS showed higher total gas production, ammonia N concentration, and dry matter degradability compared to IRG (p<0.05). The investigation on animals was conducted in a commercial dairy farm located in Gyeongju, South Korea, employing 42 Holstein cows that were divided into 2 group treatments: CS and CSBS in a completely randomized design. Although no significant difference was observed in milk yield, animals fed on CSBS showed significantly higher milk protein (p<0.05) and milk fat content (p<0.01), compared to animals fed on CS. Taken together, our findings indicate that corn-soybean silage that is cultivated, harvested, and prepared through intercropping can improve the protein content of the silage, and can also enhance in vitro rumen fermentation, dry matter degradability, and performance of dairy cattle.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1721-1726
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• 2005

The characteristic smell of cow milk was suppressed when herbs were consumed by lactating dairy cows. But it is unclear whether or not peppermint ingestion affects the nutritional and milk production parameters in lactating dairy cows. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of peppermint feeding to lactating dairy cows on nutrient digestibility, energy metabolism, ruminal fermentation and milk production. Eight Holstein cows were given a diet supplemented with or without 5% of dried peppermint per diet on a dry matter basis. The digestion of nutrients from cows fed the diet with peppermint was significantly lower than that of the control group. Energy loss as methane and methane released from cows receiving the peppermint treatment was significantly lower than that in the control cows. Peppermint feeding to cows resulted in the promotion of thermogenesis. However, ruminal fermentation and milk production were not affected by peppermint feeding. In conclusion, peppermint ingestion by lactating dairy cows reduces the nutrient digestibility and methanogenesis, and changes energy metabolism.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.27-31
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• 2019

It is well documented that intensive selection in dairy cattle for economic value such as increased milk yield led to a decline in reproductive performance. Recent studies using genome-wide association studies (GWASs) discovered candidate genes involved in the lower fertility including embryo development and conception rates. However, the information, which showed a lower reproductive performance, is limited to dairy cattle, especially Holstein, and the candidate genes were not examined in the Korean native cattle Hanwoo which has been intensively selected and bred for meat in the last few decades. We selected the candidate genes WBP1 and PARM1 reported to be associated with cow and/or heifer conception in dairy cattle and analyzed the genotype because those genes have non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). To determine the single base change, we used the high resolution melting (HRM) assay which is rapid and cost-effective for a small number of genes. We found that most heifers with higher conception (1: service per conception) have the AA genotype coding Threonine rather than Proline in the WBP1 gene. We did not detect an association for a SNP in PARM1 in our analysis. In conclusion, the genetic variation of WBP1 can be used as a selective marker gene to improve reproductive performance, and HRM assay can be used to identify common SNP genotypes rapidly and cost effectively.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.66-73
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• 2021

Objective: Soy sauce oil, a byproduct of whole soybean processing by the soy sauce industry, was evaluated as a source of linoleic acid for dairy cows for the purpose of manipulating the composition of milk. Methods: Eight dairy Holstein cows fitted with rumen cannulas were used for ruminal administration of soy sauce oil for a 28-day period using a 4×4 Latin square study design with 4 doses (0, 200, 400, and 600 g soy sauce oil/d). Results: Although dry matter intake and milk yield were not affected by soy sauce oil administration, ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and acetate were decreased, specifically at 600 g/d administration. While milk fat percentage was decreased with administration of soy sauce oil, proportions of linoleic, vaccenic and conjugated linoleic acids in the rumen, blood and milk were increased with increasing soy sauce oil dose. Conclusion: These results suggest that soy sauce oil feeding could be useful for improving milk functionality without adverse effects on animal production performance when fed at less than 400 g/d.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.218-227
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• 2024

Objective: The aim of this research was to explore the effects of dietary substitution of alfalfa hay by amaranth hay on production performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant ability in dairy cows. Methods: A total of 45 healthy Holstein cows with same parity and similar milk yield and body weight were randomly divided into 3 groups: control diet without amaranth hay (CON) or 50% and 100% alfalfa hay replaced by an equal amount of amaranth hay (dry matter basis, AH1 and AH2, respectively). All the cows were fed regularly 3 times a day at 06:30, 14:30, and 22:30 and had free access to water. The experiment lasted for 60 d. Results: The dry matter intake of CON and AH1 groups was higher (p<0.05) than that of AH2 group. Compared with AH1 group, the milk yield of AH2 group was reduced (p<0.05). Moreover, dietary substitution of alfalfa hay by amaranth hay increased (p<0.05) milk fat, ammonia nitrogen and acetate concentrations. However, the crude protein digestibility of AH2 group was lower (p<0.05) than that of CON group, while an opposite tendency of serum urea nitrogen was found between two groups. The neutral detergent fiber digestibility of AH1 group was increased (p<0.05) when compared to AH2 group. Amaranth hay treatment increased (p<0.05) the serum concentration of glutathione peroxidase in dairy cows. Compared with CON group, the malonaldehyde activity of AH1 group was decreased (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dietary replacing alfalfa hay with amaranth hay (50% ratio) in dairy cows did not affect production performance but improved their antioxidant ability.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.232-239
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• 2016

Recently, research has been focusing on high quality and safer animal production by utilizing natural functional materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of administration of natural Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) on gamma linolenic acid (GLA) levels in milk from Holstein dairy cows. Quality and quantity of milk as well as blood and fatty acids from Holstein cow fed diets supplemented with 2.7-4% calcium-salted EPO coated with palm stearin oil were analyzed. There was no significant difference in yield and composition of milk between control and EPO treatment. However, EPO treatment lowered blood aspartate aminotransferase (AST), somatic cell count (SCC), and cholesterol levels (p < 0.05) compared to untreated control. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was decreased (p < 0.05) in GLA 1 and GLA 2 group when compared with control group. Non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration was lower (p < 0.05) in GLA 1 and GLA 2 groups than in control group. The level of GLA in milk was increased in EPO group when compared to control. Therefore, results from the present study demonstrate that supplementary EPO has beneficial effects on cow health, showing a decrease in somatic cell count and levels of blood cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and AST. Furthermore, supplementation of EPO improves milk quality with increased amounts of GLA.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.11
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• pp.1784-1793
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• 2021

Objective: An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of bamboo leaf extract (BLE) on the production performance, rumen fermentation parameters, and rumen bacterial communities of heat-stressed dairy cows. Methods: The experiment comprised a 14-day adaptation period and a 21-day experimental period and was conducted in a high-temperature and humidity environment (daily mean ambient temperature = 33.5℃±1.3℃; daily mean relative humidity = 64.9%±0.8%, daily mean temperature-humidity index = 86.2±0.4). Twelve Holstein dairy cows were randomly allocated into two groups. A total mixed ration supplemented with BLE at 0 (CON) and 1.3 g/kg dry matter (DM) were fed, respectively. Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Milk samples were collected on 1, 11, and 21 d of the experimental period to analyze milk performance. Rumen fluid samples were collected on 21 d of the experimental period to analyze rumen fermentation parameters and rumen bacterial communities. Results: Compared with the control group, supplementation of BLE increased milk yield (p<0.01), milk fat yield (p = 0.04), 4% fat-corrected milk (p<0.01) and milk fat content (p<0.01); reduced somatic cell count (p<0.01). No differences in DM intake and milk protein or lactose content were observed between two groups. Supplementation of BLE also increased the rumen total volatile fatty acid (p<0.01), acetate (p<0.01), butyrate (p<0.01), and valerate (p = 0.05) concentrations. However, no significant effects were observed on rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen, propionate, acetate/propionate ratio, isobutyrate, or isovalerate. Furthermore, BLE increased the rumen bacterial abundance and the diversity of the rumen bacterial community. The BLE reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes abundance ratio and increased the abundances of Butyrivibrio_2 (p<0.01) and Ruminococcus_2 (p<0.01). Conclusion: The BLE supplementation at 1.3 g/kg DM could improve production performance and rumen fermentation in dairy cows during heat stress.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.97-104
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• 2009

Complement of test standard, evaluation methods and models are needed to improve national competitiveness and to exchange superior genetic resources through the comparison of genetic evaluation score among nations in dairy cattle. Therefore, this study was conducted for the application of international standard to Korea considering domestic circumstance by changing linear-classification test score system of 50 classes which is currently used in Korea to system of 9 classes which is used in advanced nations of dairy. 15,230 of holstein cow linear type records with first parity records for the fifteen linear type and one total score from 2001 to 2006 and pedigree data which were collected by the Korean Animal Improvement Association were used in this study. Population classified by 9 levels was more normal distributed than 50 levels. Correlation coefficients between 50 and 9 score system showed over 0.98 by each classification scheme. Therefore, the 50 point system can be substituted with 9 point system due to their highly positive correlation. However, scores in all traits were still very contingent on classifier under the 9 point system (p<0.001), and F values between foot angle and front teat attachment showed high fluctuation depending on classifier. It means that subjective opinions of classifier would influence on linear type score as ever even if class scheme transformed to system of 9 class. Therefore, the relevance of transformation to the 9 point system should be assessed after analyses about various environmental factors.